Borrelia Elispot

Borrelia EliSpot

AONM/ArminLabs

"AONM have checklists that help identify the most likely viral or bacterial infections to test for, based on patient symptoms. Please see https://aonm.org/checklists-for-testing/ or contact AONM at 03331 210305 or email info@aonm.org. We also offer different viral and bacterial panels, and are always happy to advise on testing options."

Please note this test requires a blood draw, please organise a phlebotomist for your patient. A return courier fee of £50 is included in this test price

Description

This test reflects the current Borrelia burgdorferi activity of chronic and recent Borrelia burgdorferi infections.

Lyme Disease is an inflammatory disease that involves multiple body systems and causes symptoms that mimic other diseases. Beginning with a bull’s eye rash (around a third of all infections), it progresses to flu-like symptoms, and can lead to arthritis and many other symptoms. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to symptoms as serious as encephalitis, cardiomegaly, and inflammation of the pericardium and sensory nerves.

It has been shown to be associated with (in some cases) Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Fibromyalgia, ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Autism, Parkinsonism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune disorders (e.g. Hashimoto Thyroiditis) and ALS.

The EliSpot is highly sensitive and can detect even one single Borrelia burgdorferi-reactive T-cell. With detection levels that can be as low as one cell in 100,000, the EliSpot is one of the most sensitive cellular assays available.

Methodology

Borrelia EliSpot (T-Cell-Spot / IGRA: Interferon-Gamma-Release Assay)

Borrelia EliSpot antigens:

Borrelia burgdorferi Full Antigen: Borrelia burgdorferi B31-reference strain (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto)

Borrelia burgorferi Peptide Mix: outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia b. sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii + OspC native + DbpA recombinant

Borrelia burgdorferi LFA-1 (Lymphocyte Function Antigen 1): Own body protein + Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (shared epitope). Often associated with autoimmune diseases collagenosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, vasculitis (ANA, CCP-antibodies, ANCA)

Explanation: Native = cultured antigens/ Recombinant: produced via genetic technology

When should I use

When a recent or chronic case of Lyme Disease is suspected

Other details

The EliSpot can be helpful when monitoring therapies. The EliSpot should usually become negative about 4 to 8 weeks after completion of an effective therapy.

AONM have checklists that help identify the most likely viral or bacterial infections to test for, based on patient symptoms. Please see https://aonm.org/checklists-for-testing/  or contact AONM at 03331 210305 or email info@aonm.org. We also offer different viral and bacterial panels and are always happy to advise on testing options.

Summary of General Symptoms Across All Stages

Rashes: Erythema migrans rash, multiple secondary rashes

General Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes

Neurological Symptoms: Severe headaches, neck stiffness, facial palsy, limb pain or numbness, memory problems, concentration difficulties

Cardiac Symptoms: Palpitations, irregular heartbeat

Arthritis: Severe joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees

Chronic Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, pain, cognitive issues

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent progression to later stage

Biomarkers

Borrelia b. full antigen + Borrelia b. peptide mix + LFA-1

Specification

Specimen Type:         

2 x CPDA tube

Vitality of T-cells for LTT: Up to 3 days

Phlebotomy Type:

Blood draw at home or in a clinical setting